More and more children are getting tooth decay and cavities than ever before. Today, the most common chronic disease in children is now dental erosion caused by acidic foods and drinks that work to corrode the teeth slowly. And it’s not only affecting children; adults are just as likely to experience enamel erosion from the foods and drinks they consume. Since most Canadians drink at least one sugary drink on a daily basis, it may be time to look at what you drink and if it’s one of the 5 drinks that corrode your teeth. If so, it’s time to reassess your consumption habits!
Sport Drinks
Sports drinks that are designed to “revitalize” and “hydrate” you can actually cause up to 30 times more erosion than water to your tooth enamel. Full of sugar and acidic contents, these drinks invade and then break down your enamel, eventually leading to tooth decay and cavities.
Energy Drinks
They may give you a quick pick-me-up, but energy drinks also can cause damage to your teeth. The problem with energy drinks is that they’re filled with citric acid, used to enhance the flavour and preserve the shelf life. The high-acid content attacks and strips the porous enamel causing lasting effects.
Cola
The extremely corrosive potential of colas like Coca-Cola and Pepsi is approximately 10 times that of fruit juices. The culprit – massive amounts of sugar mixed with citric, malic, tartaric and phosphoric acid in the beverages. This combo of acid and sugar is a double threat to your enamel and can cause cracking, pain, sensitivity, and darkening of the teeth.
Fruit Juice
Even though they are filled with vitamins and antioxidants, you may want to limit your consumption of citrus and berry fruit juices. Loaded with acids that wreak havoc on your teeth, fruit juice consumption has been linked to an increase in enamel erosion.
Alcohol
Alcohol that’s packed with sugar can eventually strip away at your tooth enamel. If the teeth are continuously fed alcohol daily, the enamel begins to greatly deteriorate to the point that a cavity can start over a matter of days.
Reducing your daily consumption of these drinks can help to lessen the erosion of your teeth. If you’re thirsty, your best option is always water. Drinking water can help increase your saliva and neutralize the acids, necessary to keep your enamel healthy. For more information or if you are concerned your habits may be leading to tooth decay or cavities, reach out to us at Rockcliffe Dental, your local dental professionals.
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